Denise White has come some ways from her start in Chester, Pennsylvania, where she learned to play piano and was a member of the Wilmington/Chester Mass Choir. After moving to Atlanta to study piano at Spelman College, she stayed in the South and has been a lead musician and choral director in venues as diverse as churches and Tyler Perry stage plays. Additionally, she’s become an artist in her own right, Avery*Sunshine.

Encapsulating her talents and life experiences within a delightful shell of soul music, Avery*Sunshine has created her first album, Avery*Sunshine, that while exploring her deep emotions, also comes across as pleasant and very listenable. With all the effort she has exerted, Avery*Sunshine has put herself in good position to have a rising profile on the indie soul scene.

What’s the story behind the name “Avery*Sunshine?”

Well, it’s quite an uninteresting story. I was asked by producer extraordinaire and my partner, Dana Johnson, “So, how do you want your name to read in the credits? Denise? Denise White? Or what?” I responded, without hesitation, “Avery Sunshine.” Thus, Avery*Sunshine was born. I believe that my admiration for the racy singer Shug Avery from the movie The Color Purple and Sunshine from Harlem Nights were the inspiration for the name. It has stuck. I am Avery*Sunshine.